Marshall McCall The Milky Way is the galaxy in which we live. Our very existence hinges upon events which have been going on for billions of years all across the Milky Way. In this richly illustrated presentation, the Milky Way and beyond will be discussed in order to show at an elemental level how we came to be. The culmination will be the creation of a galaxy before your very eyes and a discussion of its implications for understanding our history.

Explore the Universe with members of the Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and members of the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Large telescopes will be set up to give you amazing views of our Moon, the planets and more! Meet at the main parking lot and walk to the Chappell House Lawn. In case skies are not suitable for star-gazing on the scheduled date, the event will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at the same time. Admission is free - all are welcome.

Dr. John Percy, U of T Professor Emeritus, Astronomy and Astrophysics Join Dr. John Percy as he explores Toronto's rich astronomical heritage, from the 1830's until today. Discover astronomy's impact on our society and how its development intimately connects with the growth of our thriving city and country.

Hover above the moon like an astronaut and get eye-to-eye with the planets. Find colourful stars, star clusters, bright nebulae and even another galaxy. Our monthly City Star Party is the place to catch universe from within the city limits at Bayview Village Park. If you don't have a telescope then you will find many astronomers who would love to share a view. If you are thinking of buying a telescope, viewing with other people's equipment is the best way to make a good choice. If you have a telescope or binoculars, please bring it!

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger guests. Look through telescopes, make some space crafts, visit the Skylab and find out what's really up there!  Family Nights require tickets to be purchased in advance. This program runs regardless of sky or weather conditions. If skies are clear you can check out the night sky through a variety of telescopes including the biggest optical telescope in Canada! The evening also includes a presentation in our new Skylab that offers great (virtual) night sky viewing.

The stars of 2001 introduce this screening of Kubrick’s science-fiction masterpiece and share their memories of the film’s production. One of the most revered films of all time, Stanley Kubrick's science-fiction masterpiece about a doomed intergalactic mission is still "the ultimate trip."

Join us at the Ontario Science Centre for our monthly Solar Observing on the TelusScape observing pad. This is the area in front of the Science Centre's entrance. We use specialized telescopes that are safe to aim at the Sun. Check our home page on the Friday prior for go/no-go calls as this event is weather dependent.

Join the OSC for a family-friendly, fright-filled night of stargazing and other spooky science activities. This year is all about combining Hollywood and Halloween to highlight the love of the scary movie. Take part in the making of atmospheric special effects. Create your own scary movie scene. Choose your favourite speaker as we continue our series of popular Science Slam competitions. Show off your outfit in a costume parade and don’t forget to look up to the sky with the help of RASC-Toronto Centre volunteers and their telescopes. Come rain or shine, if you dare.

Dr. Ray Jawawardhana The Jacob Bronowski Memorial Lecture

Once a month, we invite someone from the scientific community to share their expertise and latest research.  The Big Bang Theory is one of the crowning achievements of modern science.  The basic premise--that the universe began expanding about 14 billion years ago from a very hot, dense state--has been independently verified many times over.  And yet there is widespread confusion and uncertainty about what the theory actually says--and what it doesn't.  

Donald G. Saari, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics and Economics; Director of the Institute for Mathematical Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Irvine

Speaker: Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn. Senior Meteorologist, The Weather Network Kerry-Ann will talk about her journey of photographing the universe and share stories about some of the amazing objects that her camera has captured. Her award winning photos have appeared in books, calendars and NASA's "Astronomy Picture of the Day" website. Star Talk nights offer great talks by great speakers on astronomy, space science and sometimes, science fiction.